Dave - the US$ is easy to exchange everywhere in Jordan and Syria. The Jordan Dinar (JD) has a set rate against the US$ so you will know exactly what you should get each time you change. In Syria I advise to change in the bank - they will usually honour the official x-rates.

Manu - according to a new goverment decision, as of 15 November 2009, individual Indian visitors are able to obtain a visa at the Jordanian borders or airports.Prior to the decision, only Indians who came in groups of five or more were allowed to get a visa at the Kingdoms airports or borders without the need to apply for one in advance at the Jordanian embassy in their country. However, this advice comes with a caution that you should contact the Embassy of Jordan to find out if this is still the current law or whether it has changed.